State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the program allows mentored 12 and 13-year old hunters to harvest deer with a firearm or crossbow.

Last fall, more than 9,400 youth hunters, representing nearly 9,200 families, were eligible to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow and youth hunters submitted more than 1,800 deer harvest reports.

The DEC conducted a post-hunting survey that found 82% of youth hunters and 87% of their adult mentors were moderately or greatly satisfied with their youth big game hunting experience. Additionally, no hunting-related shooting incidents, violations, or license revocations involving 12- and 13-year-old hunters occurred during the first two years of the pilot program.

In 2021, legislation authorized 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with an experienced adult mentor in eligible areas of the state under a three-year pilot program. The law required DEC to analyze results of the pilot program each year and report its findings back to the State Legislature.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the Holiday Deer Hunt allows families to hunt together when students are on break from school and many adults have time off from work.

The regular firearms season in the Southern Zone includes a late bow and muzzleloader season until December 20 and December 26 to January 1.

The Holiday Deer Hunt is an extension of the late bow and muzzleloader season, running from December 26, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Hunters must possess a bowhunting or muzzleloading privilege to participate in the late bow or muzzleloader season, and they may use all deer carcass tags valid during those seasons.

Seggos said these late seasons are also a great time to get venison for consumption or to donate venison to others. Every late season deer hunter has at least one tag for antlerless deer, with either-sex and antlerless-only Bow/Muzz tags, and unfilled regular season tags which can also be used for antlerless deer during the late seasons.

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said ‘Operation Safe Harvest‘ is part of a statewide initiative to ensure all hunters are following the State’s hunting laws and safety guidelines while afield.

Environmental Conservation Officers will be patrolling and conducting a variety of field operations to help ensure a safe and enjoyable big game hunting season.

In addition to statewide enforcement, Officers educate hunters on New York’s hunting laws and safety guidelines, both in the field and as instructors for the New York State Hunter Education Program.

New York State continues to prioritize hunter safety year-round and the 2021 hunting seasons in New York were the safest ever, with the lowest number of incidents since record-keeping began.

DEC Law Enforcement is also reminding hunters they are key partners in protecting New York deer from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Chronic Wasting Disease continues to spread in other states, and hunters are key to preventing CWD introduction to New York. CWD is always fatal to deer. If introduced, it could spread rapidly and be practically impossible to eliminate once established.

Hunters can help protect New York’s deer herd from CWD by following these tips:
– If hunting any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, it must be deboned before bringing it back. The DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts, including whole deer and deer heads;
– Do not use deer urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain infectious material;
– Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not just on the landscape;
– Report any deer that appears sick or is acting abnormally; and
– Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles.

The regular firearms season for deer and bear in the Southern Zone runs through Sunday, December 11, and includes participation from approximately 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters.

Jamestown City Council work session (October 3, 2022)

While a deer hunt will not take place in the city of Jamestown this year, the discussion of options to deal with deer overpopulation is back on the table.

Council member at large Randy Daversa said he had met with Council member at large Jeff Russell as well as Council members Andrew Faulkner and Brent Sheldon on the issue. He said they hope to have a formal meeting soon.

Russell said with deer hunting season starting October 1, it’s not feasible to do the hunt this year, “We’re not able to move that quickly with tags and get this together. So, we all knew that this was going to take place, to come up with a plan, if it’s approved, that it would be for next year’s season.”

Council member Marie Carrubba said in conversations with members of the community, there were recommendations on who should be included in the discussion group, “Corporation Counsel or another attorney about the liability to the city, having someone who is in favor of it (a hunt) from the community, someone who has other ideas as we had someone here last week who talked about other options. I think if we have a more inclusive group than just council members. And not just the hunters. I think last time we just had the bow hunting group.”

Daversa agreed his plan was to include various community members. Russell said there will be a notification for when the deer group meets next.

Council also discussed hours for trick-or-treating on Halloween with the consensus being to keep them at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Council President Tony Dolce said there would not be a Halloween Fun Fest this year but that the Parks Department was looking at other options including a “trunk or treat.”

Hunting and trapping licenses and deer management permits

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the expanded hunting opportunities offered last year are also available to hunters this year.

Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at license-issuing agents, or by phone at 866-933-2257. The new hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023. Annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Seggos said hunting, fishing, or trapping license purchases helps support the DEC’s conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come. The DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat and Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 stamp supports projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish- and wildlife-related activities. This year’s Habitat and Access Stamp features a red eft, a juvenile eastern newt.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said there were the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents in 2021 since record-keeping began. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers investigated nine hunting-related shooting incidents in 2021, including one fatality.

Seggos said, “I’m proud of our Hunter Education Program, and our educators and volunteer instructors, working to ensure licensed hunters experience a safe hunting season. Every hunting fatality is preventable when New Yorkers hunt safely and responsibly.”

Seven of the nine incidents that occurred in 2021 were two-party firearm incidents; two incidents were self-inflicted. All identified shooters were experienced hunters with an average of 40 years of hunting experience. Seggos said all incidents could have been prevented if those involved followed hunting safety rules.

A new hunting regulation that took effect in 2021 extended legal shooting hours for big game to 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. None of the deer hunting incidents last year took place during the new extended hours.

Another new regulation change effective last year requires all persons hunting deer or bear with a firearm, or anyone accompanying these hunters, to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket, visible from all directions. The single fatality that occurred in 2021 involved a deer hunter not wearing fluorescent orange or pink. The hunter was mistaken for game and shot by a hunting partner.

Also new in 2021, 52 upstate counties passed local laws allowing 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow while under the supervision of an experienced, licensed, adult hunter. None of the nine incidents investigated in 2021 involved a 12- or 13-year-old hunter.

All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education safety course before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license or bowhunting privilege in New York State.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages hunters to review new safety regulations and changes this season.

New this year, 12- and 13-year-old hunters can hunt deer with a firearm when accompanied by a licensed, experienced adult in Chautauqua County. The pilot program was established by the New York State Legislature through 2023.

Also new, the DEC extended the daily hunting hours to run from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, allowing hunters to utilize the full daylight period. Hunters should check the sunrise and sunset times before hunting each day.

All hunters pursuing deer or bear with a firearm are now required to wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, either a hat, vest, or jacket visible in all directions.

The DEC also encourages non-hunters to wear bright colors during fall and winter months to be seen more easily and from greater distances. Pet owners are encouraged to affix a bright colored vest or scarf on their dogs and keep pets leashed at all times.

The Southern Zone regular hunting season, which runs until December 12th, is New York’s most popular hunting season, and approximately 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters participate. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30-60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.

ALB ANY – The 2020-21 regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York’s Southern Zone begin at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 21, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 13. The Southern Zone regular season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.

Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting, and muzzleloading seasons will run from Dec. 14 through 22. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess a hunting license and either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.

In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 24 and will close at sunset on Dec. 6. The Northern Zone includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late bowhunting and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 7 to 13.

Please visit DEC’s website for the full news release and to learn more about chronic wasting disease, reporting your harvest, firearm safety, and getting outdoors safely and responsibly during the State’s response to COVID-19.

Thomas Jadlowski

MAYVILLE – The Sherman man who pleaded guilty to accidentally shooting and killing his neighbor in 2017 has been sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison.

On Monday Chautauqua County Judge David Foley announced the sentence for Thomas Jadlowski, who shot 43-year-old Rosemary Billquist while he was hunting and after mistaking her for a dear during the early evening of Nov. 22. Billquist had been in a field next to her home walking her dogs when the incident occurred.

The sentence came after Jadlowski pleaded guilty in October of last year to criminally negligent homicide and hunting after sunset. It also came after District Attorney Patrick Swanson met with the victim’s husband, Jamie Billquist, who told the DA he wanted Jadlowski to be held accountable and also to apologize for his actions.

Jadlowski did provide a written apology but was unable to read it aloud prior to being sentenced. Instead his attorney read it on behalf of his client.

“I would like to say that not a single day does not go by that I do not think about what I have done. I would like to send my love and prayers to Rosemary’s family,” The statement read. “From Day One, I’ve been advised by law enforcement and my attorney not to have any contact with the victim’s family. I would like to apologize for that. I should have reached out sooner. Today I would like to say that I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. I know that sorry will not fix what I have done. I just hope that someday you all can forgive me for what I have done.”

Judge Foley said he recognized the nature of what Jadlowski had done and took that into account. He said he knew that the shooting was not intentional.

The length of the sentence will be decided by the state parole board. Swanson said Jadlowski has been credited with more than three months of time served since he pleaded guilty on Oct. 4.

In a media release sent out by the DA’s office, Jamie Billquist said, “This has never been about vengeance.  That is not what Rosie would have wanted.  From the beginning I wanted the defendant to take responsibility and be held accountable. I want the next hunter who thinks about shooting after hours to think, ‘There was this guy that went to prison. I should just go home.'”

Swanson added, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Rosemary Billquist.  This senseless tragedy no doubt has changed many lives.  My hope is that this brings some closure to Jamie and Rosemary’s loved ones.”

Swanson said he also consulted with Billquist prior to Monday’s sentencing.

“Jamie and I have spoken regularly regarding a disposition acceptable to both him and his family.  We always have been comfortable with a 1-3 year sentence so long as Mr. Jadlowski accepted responsibility.  This was not an intentional homicide.  It evinced horrible, criminal judgement, but it was not an intentional taking of a life.  Acceptance of responsibility for his criminal mistakes is an important
part of this process. While it won’t bring back Rosie, it brought closure in this case and peace
for her family.”

Swanson also said he hopes the incident will remind others to always practice safety first when out hunting.

“This tragedy serves as a reminder that hunting with guns carries an expansive set
of responsibilities, most, if not all, of which are designed to protect people,” Swanson said. “Simple rules were not followed by Mr. Jadlowski and because of his actions two families and entire communities
have suffered.  The ripple effect of Rosemary’s death are widespread and will last a long time. My hope is that this incident serves as an example to the hunting community of what can happen when basic hunting rules are not followed.  Guns can, and will cause harm when used without caution and care.  These tragedies are preventable.  It is my sincerest hope that Mr. Jadlowski, after being released from prison makes an effort to influence future hunters with his story.”

Also in response to the sentencing, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos also released a statement.

Seggos said reminded residents that every hunting accident in New York is preventable when people follow basic hunting safety rules, adding that he hopes Billquist tragedy serves as a reminder to hunters across the state to always be sure of their targets and beyond.

Now that the criminal case is over, DEC is also taking action to revoke Jadlowski’s sporting license.

NY DEC Wildlife Biologist Sue Booth-Binczik gives a presentation on deer population and management during the May 7, 2018 meeting of the Jamestown City Council.

“No matter what decisions are made, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in the community will agree with them, but everyone should be able to agree that there was a valid process in reaching those decisions.”
– Sue Booth-Binczik, NYS DEC Wildlife Biologist

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown City Council learned more about the causes of the area’s growing deer population and what can be done to try and reduce it during a presentation Monday night during a council work session.

Approximately 15 residents, along with city council members and other city officials, listened to the hour-long presentation by Sue Booth-Binczik, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany.

Booth-Binczik said there is no simple solution to reducing the number of deer in an urban area, adding that it’s important to first recognize and identify the specifics of the problem – such as property damage or car-vehicle accidents. She said from there, a community must identify an objective, and then identify and select options.

“Selecting which action a community is going to take is usually the most difficult, most time-consuming, and potentially controversial aspect of the process because people have widely differing opinions about deer and priorities about how deer should be treated. So this decision process can cause a lot of conflict and many communities just get bogged down with it,” Booth-Binczik said. “No matter what decisions are made, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in the community will agree with them, but everyone should be able to agree that there was a valid process in reaching those decisions and that those decisions are supported by the majority of the community.”

Among the management options to consider is to remove food sources for deer, as well as putting up fencing, using scare devices, and reducing speed limits to improve safety for motorists. There’s also the option of hunting, which can be done a number of ways including allowing bow hunting in the city during regular hunting season.

NY DEC Wildlife biologist Sue Booth-Binczik

“The basic way to encourage hunting and to facilitate population reduction through hunting is to give hunters property access in areas where the deer are. So from a city perspective, one way to increase access is to remove the ordinance [that bans hunting within city limits]. Another way might be, as a landowner, the city could open up city parks to hunting,” Booth-Binczik said, adding that individual property owners would also want to work together to permit hunting in some privately owned land within the city. “Hunting is always under the prevue of the landowners, who have control over their properties, so the city could also encourage residents, as property owners, to give hunters access to their lands.”

Other options include instituting a culling program, which involves various steps such as baiting, night time hunting, and even capture and killing the animals.

Booth-Binczik said once options are selected, the community can work to implement the actions, and then evaluate the effectiveness.  In order for the process to be effective, she said outreach and community engagement is important. She also encouraged the city to partner with its neighboring municipalities in coordinating a deer management plan in order to increase its effectiveness.

Booth-Binczik also explained the causes of deer population growth, saying it’s primarily due to a reduction in predators over the years, combined with reduced hunting and encroachment into urban areas, which provide additional safety and resources for the deer. As a result, Booth-Binczik said deer populations can double as quickly as every 2 years. She also said the vehicle-deer accidents is the number one cause of death of deer in New York State, with 70,000 accidents reported on an annual basis.

Booth-Binczik also said that due to the large number of deer in the state, it’s had an ecological impact on other animals and plant life because deer will destroy forest habitat that is needed for other wildlife to thrive. She said deer can also result in the loss of forests over an extended period of time because they don’t allow them to regenerate.

The residents on hand who spoke during the meeting said the deer have grown to become a larger problem during the past five years and urged to city to implement a management strategy.

Dana Williams, one of an estimated 15 residents who attended the May 7 DEC presentation on Deer Management, hosted by the Jamestown City Council.

“You see dozens of deer at certain times just walking between houses. The area up by English Street, it’s generally that area and around the Allen Park area, it’s overrun, and also up by Bush School,” said city resident Dana Williams, who recently wrote a letter to the editor in the Post-Journal that prompted the discussion. “It’s not healthy either. I just don’t want to wait until there’s somebody getting ill. Something’s going to happen like that and once that happens, then you’re going to have a lot of people saying we should’ve done something.”

City council president Marie Carrubba said the city will work on collecting additional information and looking into the matter and will update the community on how it will proceed in the coming weeks.

According to the DEC, currently in Western New York, there are five communities – including N. Tonawanda, Lackawana, and Amherst – that have a deer management hunting program in place.

For additional information on deer management, Booth-Binczik recommended the following websites:

• Cornell University Community Deer Management Resource
• DEC pages on deer overabundance and community deer management
  • DEC.NY.Gov/animals/104911.html
  • DEC.NY.Gov/animals/104961.html
• Impacts of deer on forests and wildlife